Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Impulse

Impulse: Runs in the Family

Rate this book
The teenage grandson of the Flash, Impulse was born and raised in a "video game" virtual environment in the 30th century. But when the rash teenager was transported back to the 20th century, his entire life changed.

This humorous book profiles Impulse's earliest adventures in rural Alabama under the tutelage of elder speedster Max Mercury. Oblivious to the concept of actions having consequences, the reckless youth must come to terms with both his incredible powers and the absurd situations that their use can result in, all the while trying to cope with the insanity of high school. In this new edition of Impulse's adventures, the teen speedster meets teen villain White Lightning, Blockbuster, and, from the 30th century, Legion of Super-Heroes member XS.

Collects IMPULSE #1-6, 8-9 and 12-13.

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2013

38 people want to read

About the author

Mark Waid

3,194 books1,277 followers
Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
11 (26%)
4 stars
18 (43%)
3 stars
11 (26%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Daria.
250 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2022
A collection of different events all involving silly guy Impulse and his very much not uncle Max. The dynamic between these two is absolutely amazing, between Impulse being a little menace and Max doing absolutely nothing to stop him for being so (besides giving long-winded speeches). The last issue where Bart got to see what it's like to look after an impulsive kid with no sense of danger was adorable and a very funny flip.
The fact that he thinks in pictures so there's not that much dialogue but we still understand him so perfectly is amazing. The balance that they are able to walk between Bart being 4 years old but also a teen through these thoughts are amazing, but also I fully forget he can actually speak from time to time. Him learning everything at superspeed (especially writing in the first issue) is such a clever way of explaining why he's like a 14 year old just as much as he is literally 4. It's also just very endearing to read.
His friendship with his cousin (and also his only friendship) made me so happy and then subsequently so sad when she went back to the future. Please let Young Justice happen faster. Please grant Impulse some friends. He deserves them.
27 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
This is one of my all-time favourite comic books series. It is my top recommendation for anyone who asks what they should get for their kid. It's just perfect for what it is. It's not Watchmen. It's not The Dark Knight. It's a light-hearted romp exploring the pains of early teen years, being angry at your parents, saving your friends from pain, and rock n roll.
Profile Image for Melanie.
79 reviews24 followers
August 8, 2012
I only got to read a snippet but boy was this sure a fun and quick read. If you have an iPod (just about any Ithing) you should download the DC comic app and read a snip of this for free. I can't wait till the whole thing comes out!
Profile Image for Kris Ritchie.
1,645 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2020
3.5 rounded up.

These adventures make me think of early high school Pete, just protecting the town and learning more about what it means to be a hero. Very fun. I did skip the guest issue of 7 as it was eh, and issues 10 and 11 were read as part of Waid's The FLash as they do crossover.

Bart can be kind of a jerk, but he's learning, it's very anti-hero wrapped in a hero.
Profile Image for Rachel.
378 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2025
One star off for the dull Savitar storyline, but my goodness Bart Allen and Max Mercury are a gift to this earth. This is such a wholesome comic, but then strangely dark in some places. An all around joy to read these issues again.
1,760 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2022
Loved how he got his entire school to fight themselves by just being himself.
Profile Image for Andrea.
462 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2016
I especially love all the little thought bubbles that Bart has, usually involving Max...
Profile Image for Greta.
83 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2023
five stars for the first 20 or so issues, -1 for everything after that. (really it should be more but i really like those first 20)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.